The nature of performance appraisal for principals in the Landak region of Indonesia

Abstract

Principals play a significant role in creating conditions that are conducive to effective learning and teaching that affects the quality of instruction in schools. One of the means to gauge the effectiveness of principal leadership is through their performance appraisal. Therefore, clear performance expectations and the appraisal of principals become important for judging schools’ effectiveness. This study investigated the nature of performance appraisal for principals in the Landak region of Indonesia from the perspectives of both principals and superintendents.

An interpretative approach was applied in this qualitative study involving indepth investigation of perceptions, experiences, practices and challenges related to principal appraisal from the perspectives of four school principals and four superintendents located in the Landak Education Authority in Indonesia. This study used two research methods to collect the data: semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain principals’ and superintendents’ perceptions and experiences of their role and appraisal of principals. Documentary analysis was used to understand the espoused purposes and practices in the policy context of principal appraisal in Indonesia.

This study reveals that the Indonesian principal’s role is multifaceted and complex, and that the espoused purpose of principal appraisal policy in Indonesia is twofold: to achieve both accountability and development. This study reveals that principals feel that their appraisal is geared more toward developmental purposes than accountability purposes, while superintendents confirm that principal’s appraisal serves dual purposes. This study also reveals that the principal appraisal practice in the Landak region is a mere formality to meet the demands of bureaucracy. The study also found there were some challenges in principal appraisal in the Landak region associated with geographic location, complex instruments, political influence, and lack of communication and trust.

Research questions: 1. What are the purposes and practices related to performance appraisal for principals in the Landak region?

2. What are the perceptions of superintendents regarding performance appraisal for principals in the Landak region?

3. What are the perceptions of principals regarding the challenges in implementing their performance appraisal in the Landak region?

4. What are ways to improve the process of principal appraisal in the Landak region?